Goat Wolf's Lair

Category: Civil Architecture > Wolf Pit

District: Viana do Castelo > Arcos de Valdevez > Gondoriz

Location

Located in the highlands of Arcos de Valdevez, in the village of Gondoriz, the Fojo do Lobo da Cabrita is set within a mountain landscape, characteristic of the western slope of the Serra do Soajo. Its setting offers a perspective of the natural grandeur of the territory, with views extending over surrounding valleys and mountains, evoking the essence of the region's wild nature.

A Stone Trap

The Fojo do Lobo da Cabrita is a remarkable stone structure, circular in shape, erected with the purpose of capturing wolves. Its walls, approximately two meters high, show a slight inward inclination. This particularity, ingenious in its design, allowed the animal to enter but made its exit considerably difficult. Traditionally, it was common to place a debilitated or older goat inside these walls, serving as bait to attract the wolf. This method reflects ancestral wisdom and the need for local communities to protect their herds.

Testimony to Human and Animal Coexistence

This secular monument is not just a construction; it is a living testament to the often-challenging coexistence between the mountain communities and the Iberian wolf. It represents how the inhabitants of Arcos de Valdevez, over centuries, developed strategies to manage the presence of this predator in their lands, protecting their animals and way of life. A visit to the 'fojo' allows for an immersion in rural history and the pastoral practices that shaped the landscape and culture of the region.

The Natural Environment

The area surrounding the Fojo do Lobo da Cabrita is an example of the rich biodiversity of the mountain environment. Here, it is possible to observe the typical vegetation of high-altitude areas, such as heather and gorse, as well as the presence of mosses and frequent springs that underscore the vitality of this ecosystem. The landscape is marked by rock formations and flora adapted to these altitudes, inviting an experience of serenity and direct contact with wild nature.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt